Understanding Kambo:
An In-Depth Guide for Participants
Introduction to Kambo
Kambo is a traditional medicine derived from the secretion of the giant monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), native to the Amazon rainforest. Indigenous tribes, such as the Huni Kuin, Matses, Katukina, and Yawanawá, have utilized Kambo for centuries for its powerful purgative and healing properties. The secretion is applied to small burns on the skin, allowing the bioactive peptides to enter the lymphatic system and provide various therapeutic benefits.
How is Kambo Harvested and Prepared?
Kambo is harvested in a sustainable and ethical manner, ensuring the frogs are not harmed. The frogs are gently tied by their legs, and their secretion is carefully collected on small wooden sticks. Once collected, the secretion is dried and stored for future use. To prepare the Kambo for a session, the dried secretion is rehydrated with water and formed into small round shapes, ready to be applied to the skin.
Process & Preparation
Participants are advised to fast for 8-12 hours before the ceremony to ensure an empty stomach, which aids in the purging process. Hydration is crucial, so drinking plenty of water before the fast is recommended. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants for at least 24 hours prior to the ceremony.
Ceremony Structure
Opening Rituals: The ceremony begins with a “sahumerio”, where participants are cleansed with the smoke of sacred herbs or incense. This helps to create a sacred space and prepare the participants mentally and spiritually.
Setting Intentions: Participants are invited to set personal intentions and define their purpose for the ceremony. This step helps focus the mind and align the individual’s energy with the healing process.
Prayer and Chanting: The ceremonial space is opened with prayers and chanting, fostering a reverent and supportive atmosphere.
Dosage Discussion: Each participant discusses their health and intentions with the facilitator to determine the appropriate dose and application points for the Kambo.
Application of Kambo: Small dots are burned onto the skin with a wooden stick. The Kambo is then applied to these points. Participants will experience various physical reactions, including increased heart rate, nausea, and purging through vomiting, sweating, or other means.
Purging Phase: This intense phase lasts 15-20 minutes, during which participants release physical and emotional toxins.
Recovery Phase: After purging, participants often feel cold and may rest for 30-60 minutes. The ceremony concludes with closing prayers and gratitude expressions.
Post-Ceremony Care
Participants should rest and stay hydrated after the ceremony. Light, nutritious meals and herbal teas can aid in recovery. Emotional and mental integration is encouraged through journaling, meditation, or follow-up conversations with the facilitator.
Benefits
Physical
- Mood Improvement: Kambo peptides can reduce cortisol levels, leading to improved mood and reduced anxiety.
- Pain Relief: Anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Digestive Track Clearing: Its natural effect will cause the clearing of unnecessary matter inside the digestive system.
- Anti-Cancer Potential: Peptides that inhibit blood vessel growth, may help restrict tumor growth.
- Addiction Treatment: Peptides that bind to opioid receptors can help reset brain pathways affected by addiction.
- Heart and Blood Pressure: Vasodilatory effects can lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
- Anti-Microbial Properties: Kambo’s natural compounds fight fungal and bacterial infections.
Mental & Spiritual
- Purging Negative Energy: Known as ‘Panema,’ this process helps release depression, lethargy, and negative emotions.
- Heightened Senses: Enhanced vision, hearing, and mental clarity.
- Stress Reduction: Lower cortisol levels lead to decreased stress and a sense of calm.
- Spiritual Renewal: Participants often feel a deep sense of purification and spiritual renewal.
Traditional Uses
Kambo has been traditionally used for a variety of purposes by indigenous tribes:
- Removal of Negative Energies: Purging ‘Panema,’ or negative energy, to restore vitality and positive outlook.
- Enhancing Hunting Skills: Improving physical and mental prowess, sharpening senses, and increasing endurance.
- Purification and Healing: Treating illnesses, detoxifying the body, and promoting overall well-being.
- Fertility and Vitality: Enhancing fertility and physical strength.
Safety & Contraindications
Who Should Avoid Kambo?
It should be avoided by individuals with heart conditions, pregnant women, chemotherapy patients, people with low blood pressure, those with a history of blood clots, stroke, or aneurysm, people with severe epilepsy, and those recovering from major surgery or taking immunosuppressant drugs for organ transplantation.
Kambo is generally safe, and while some indigenous tribes apply Kambo to infants as young as one month old, I prioritize safety and therefore do not serve Kambo to minors under the age of 18. An exception may be made if the minor is in serious need of the medicine and the parents provide written authorization.
Additionally, I do not serve Kambo to individuals who are unable to mentally decide for themselves unless there is written authorization from their legal guardian or caregiver.
Safety Measures
The presence of an experienced Kambo facilitator is crucial. The specific procedures followed before and during the ceremony are always there to ensure participant safety. Participants are screened for contraindications before the ceremony.
Health Considerations
Your physical health plays a significant role in your Kambo journey. If you have any medical conditions or are taking medication, it is essential to discuss with the ceremony organizer about ANY health condition before the day of the ceremony. Certain health conditions and medications can interact negatively with Kambo, leading to potentially dangerous side effects. Being transparent with your facilitator about your health status ensures that they can provide the necessary support and guidance during the ceremony.
By preparing your body through diet, avoiding certain substances, and considering your health, you create a strong foundation for your Kambo experience. This preparation helps to minimize physical discomfort and allows the medicine to work more effectively, facilitating a deeper and more meaningful journey.
Mindset
Setting a clear intention or goal for the ceremony can help guide your journey and enhance the potential for healing and insight. Your intention serves as a focal point, helping you to navigate the various experiences that may arise during the ceremony. Reflect on what you hope to achieve or gain from the experience. Having a clear intention will provide direction and purpose.
Approach the ceremony with an open heart and mind, embracing whatever arises with respect and curiosity. Kambo can bring up deep-seated emotions and memories, and having a calm and accepting mindset can help you navigate these challenges. Cultivating an attitude of surrender and trust in the process is crucial. Remember that the experience may not always align with your expectations. Trust that the medicine will guide you to what you need to experience for your growth and healing.
Meditation & Mindfulness Practices
Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation, breathwork, and journaling, can help you prepare mentally and emotionally for the ceremony. These practices cultivate a state of inner peace and readiness, allowing you to enter the ceremony with a calm and focused mind. Daily meditation, even for a few minutes, can help you develop a habit of grounding yourself and staying present. Mindfulness practices can also help you manage any anxiety or fear that may arise as the ceremony approaches.
Emotional Resilience
Building emotional resilience is crucial for navigating the intense and experiences of a Kambo ceremony. Here are some practices to enhance your emotional resilience:
- Self-Reflection: Spend time reflecting on your emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Understanding your emotional landscape can help you navigate the emotions that may arise during the ceremony.
- Journaling: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and intentions in a journal. Journaling can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and gain clarity on your intentions.
- Breathwork: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and body. Breathwork can help you stay centered and grounded during the ceremony.
- Support System: Reach out to the ceremony facilitators or shaman for support. Discussing your upcoming ceremony and any concerns you have can help alleviate anxiety and provide emotional support.
Managing Expectations
It’s essential to manage your expectations and approach the ceremony with an open mind. Kambo experiences can be profound and transformative, but they can also be mentally and physically challenging. Avoid placing rigid expectations on what you want to achieve or experience. Instead, remain open to whatever the medicine presents, trusting that it will guide you toward what you need.
Support Systems
Seek guidance from the ceremony facilitator to help you understand and integrate your experience. They can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate the post-ceremony period. Additionally, connecting with others who have participated in Kambo ceremonies can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.
Self-Care
Nurturing your body and mind after the ceremony is essential. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as gentle exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature. Proper self-care helps you assimilate the experience and maintain balance. Here are some self-care practices to consider:
- Rest and Relaxation: Ensure you get plenty of rest and allow your body to recover from the intense physical and emotional processes of the ceremony.
- Healthy Eating: Continue to follow a healthy, balanced diet. Focus on nourishing your body with whole foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Proper hydration supports your body’s healing processes.
- Mindfulness Practices: Continue engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathwork, and journaling. These practices help you stay grounded and present.
Implementing Insights
Take action on the insights and lessons gained during the ceremony. Identify specific changes or steps you can take to incorporate these insights into your daily life. This may involve making lifestyle changes, addressing unresolved issues, or pursuing new goals and aspirations. Implementing the insights helps you create lasting transformation and growth.
Seeking Support
The facilitator can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate and ensure a smooth integration process. Community support is also very beneficial and highly encouraged. They have the expertise and understanding to help you process your experience and offer insights that align with the Kambo healing processes.
By focusing on reflection, support systems, self-care, implementing insights, and continued learning, you create a strong foundation for integrating your Kambo experience. This helps you incorporate the lessons learned into your daily life, promoting lasting transformation and well-being.
Ceremony Day
The day of the Kambo ceremony is a critical time to ensure that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for the experience. Proper preparation on the day of the ceremony helps to create a supportive environment and mindset, allowing you to fully engage with the transformative potential of the medicine.
Fasting
Fasting before the ceremony is an important aspect of preparation. It is recommended to fast for at least 12 hours before the beginning of the ceremony. This practice helps to have a light vessel for the medicine to work on and allows you to receive the healing in the smoothest way possible. Fasting ensures that your body is not preoccupied with digestion, allowing the Kambo to work more effectively.
Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial on the day of the ceremony. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but avoid excessive water intake immediately before the ceremony. Proper hydration supports your body during the intense physical processes that Kambo can induce, such as sweating and purging.
Rest and Relaxation
Getting adequate rest before the ceremony is essential. Avoid strenuous activities and spend the day in a calm and relaxed state. Engage in gentle activities that promote relaxation and mental clarity, such as light stretching, meditation, or spending time in nature. Adequate rest helps ensure that you are physically and mentally prepared for the journey ahead.
Creating a Sacred Space
The ceremony may be held indoors or outdoors, regardless of the setting, be prepared to create a sacred space that is clean, quiet, and free from distractions. Bring items that enhance your sense of security and comfort, such as a blanket (maybe one extra to place on the ground), pillow, or personal mementos. This sacred space serves as a supportive environment for your Kambo journey, allowing you to feel safe and grounded.
Setting Intentions
Revisit and refine your intentions for the ceremony. Reflect on what you hope to achieve or gain from the experience. Write down your intentions in a journal or meditate on them to reinforce your focus and purpose. Setting clear intentions helps guide your journey and enhances the potential for healing and insight.
Emotional and Mental Preparation
Spend time engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or breathwork, to calm your mind and center your emotions. Embrace a mindset of surrender and trust in the process. Approach the ceremony with an open heart and mind, ready to embrace whatever arises with respect and curiosity.
Practical Considerations
Prepare a small bag with essentials such as a comfortable change of clothes, a journal for recording your experience, a water bottle, and any personal items that provide comfort and support. Avoid bringing valuables or items that may distract you during the ceremony. Ensure that you have everything you need to feel comfortable and supported throughout the experience.
By focusing on fasting, staying hydrated, resting, creating a sacred space, setting intentions, and engaging in mindfulness practices, you create a supportive environment for your Kambo ceremony. This preparation allows you to fully engage with the transformative potential of the medicine, facilitating deep healing and personal growth.
One Experience, Three Pillars
Proper Preparation
Physical, mental, and emotional preparation is crucial for a safe and meaningful experience. This includes adhering to dietary restrictions, avoiding certain substances, and setting clear intentions. Proper preparation ensures that participants are in the best possible state to receive the healing and insights Kambo offers.
Expert Guidance
The presence of an experienced facilitator is essential for navigating the Kambo journey. They create a safe, supportive environment, guide participants through the experience, and provide protection and spiritual guidance. Their expertise helps manage the journey and enhances the overall transformative potential of the ceremony.
Integrating The Experience
Reflecting on the insights gained during the ceremony and incorporating them into daily life. This process is vital for achieving lasting personal growth and transformation. Support from the facilitators, community, or fellow participants is invaluable in making sense of the experience and applying its teachings.
“In the days following the Kambo experience, I had more energy than I remember ever having. I always have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, but all of a sudden, I was waking up, refreshed, at 7:00 a.m. ready to start my day. I do feel it pulled some negative energies and, maybe even traumas, out of me.”
Shelby Hartman, co-founder of DoubleBlind magazine
What can I expect during the Kambo ceremony?
Ceremony is conducted in a sacred environment, by experienced facilitator. Small dots are burned onto your skin, and the secretion is applied to these points. Physical reactions such as rapid heart rate, intense heat, nausea, and purging through vomiting or sweating.
How should I prepare for an Kambo ceremony?
Ideally fast for at least 12 hours to ensure an empty stomach, which aids in the purging process. Hydrate well before and during the fast. Avoid stimulants, animal products, processed foods, and sugars for at least 24 hours prior to enhance the detoxification process.
Is Kambo safe?
Kambo is considered safe when administered by an experienced and trained practitioner. While the ceremony can induce intense physical reactions like nausea and vomiting, these are temporary and part of the purging process. Proper screening for contraindications and adherence to safety protocols significantly reduce risks.
Open Heart, Open Mind
As you prepare to embark on your Kambo journey, we invite you to approach it with an open heart and mind. Honor the profound opportunities for physical, mental, and spiritual healing that this sacred ceremony brings into your life. Embrace the process with trust and reverence, knowing that Kambo has the power to guide you towards greater balance, clarity, and well-being. May this experience be a step towards deeper connection with yourself and a path to lasting renewal and healing.
Embrace The Journey
